Why & How Businesses Need to Switch from AUSKey to myGovID

Contents

• What are MyGovID and RAM?
• What you need to do
• Time to make the change

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) have announced that from Friday 27^th March 2020 the AUSkey will be replaced by the myGovID and Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM). The ATO have stated that the reason for the change is that the AUSkey is unable to keep up with changing technology and does not meet the government’s future security requirements. Because AUSkey is currently used to access online government services such as the ATO Business Portal, to continue to use these services moving forward, you will need to setup your myGovID and RAM by the cut-off date.

What are myGovID and RAM?

The myGovID is the Australian Government's digital identity provider, which allows you to prove your identity online and subsequently log into certain online government services such as the ATO Business Portal. Please note that the myGovID is not the same as your myGov account, these are completely separate.

Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) is an authorisation service that allows you to act on behalf of a business online when linked with your myGovID. The way this works is that the principle authority of the business (either a sole trader, trustee, director, public officer, partner or office bearer) links their myGovID to the business through the RAM and once linked, they are able to authorise others (such as employees or bookkeepers etc.) to access online services for the business.

What you need to do

Step 1

The principle authority of the business and all others who will be accessing online services must create a myGovID. To create a myGovID you must download the app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store and complete the identity verification. For this, you will need at least two of the following Australian identity documents:

• A passport (not more than three years expired)
• A drivers licence
• A birth certificate
• A Medicare card

You will also be asked to provide an email address. This email address should be your personal email address and not a work related email address. This is because the myGovID is personal to the individual and not governed by the business.

Step 2

The principle authority then uses their myGovID to log into the RAM, which can be accessed here - https://info.authorisationmanager.gov.au/

Once logged in the principle authority can then link the business’ ABN to their personal myGovID. Please note you must be listed as an authorised associate on the Australian Business Register (ABR) to link the business to your personal myGovID. Therefore, it is important to check that the details listed on the ABR for the business are correct and up to date.

Step 3

Once the business has been linked to the principle authority’s myGovID they can then authorise others to act on behalf of the business. This can be done through RAM and you will need the person’s legal name and email address that was used to setup their own myGovID. The individual will receive an email with instructions for accepting the authorisation.

An alternative feature is also available for business with a large number of AUSkeys in use. The ‘Import AUSkey Users’ feature allows you to create authorisations based on existing AUSkey details and enables you to import multiple AUSkey users at a time. If using this feature, it is important to ensure all AUSkey details are correct and up to date before importing. Click here for instructions for importing AUSkey users.

Time to make the change

To continue to use online government services such as the ATO business portal going forward, make sure you have setup your myGovID and RAM before the cut-off date of Friday 27^th March 2020.

It’s important you start this process as soon as possible to avoid any disruption as part of the changeover. If you have a business advisor you work with then they can help you.

If you are a business owner who is considering using a business adviser, please take a moment to talk with us and see if we’re the right fit for you. Our team add real value to our clients because we care about getting them the best results possible and provide support throughout their business journey. In a discussion with us, you’ll receive clear direction on strategies and solutions that align with what you want for you and your business. Plus we can assist you through the above process to make the transition easier.

Wishing you every success!

*This information is relevant at the time of publishing and is subject to change*